What are the best strategies for farming chitin and keratin on Extinction in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming chitin and keratin on Extinction in ARK: Survival Evolved can be highly efficient if you know where to look and how to optimize your approach. Chitin and keratin are essential resources used for crafting items like cementing paste, armor, and saddles. On Extinction, these resources are primarily obtained by harvesting the remains of certain creatures, such as Araneos (giant spiders), Pulmonoscorpius (scorpions), and Mantises. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you farm these resources effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Chitin and keratin are harvested from the exoskeletons of arthropod-like creatures. On Extinction, the best sources are found in the Desert Biome and the Wasteland. These areas are populated with creatures like Araneos, Pulmonoscorpius, and Mantises, which drop large amounts of chitin and keratin when killed. Additionally, you can use certain tools and dinosaurs to increase your yield. For example, using a metal hatchet or a chainsaw will give you more chitin and keratin compared to other tools. Tamed creatures like the Sabertooth, Megatherium, or Direwolf are also excellent for farming these resources due to their high damage and harvesting multipliers.

To start farming, youÔÇÖll need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have the right tools and tames. A high-level Sabertooth or Direwolf is ideal for solo players, as they are fast, deal good damage, and have a decent harvesting multiplier for chitin and keratin. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, consider using a Megatherium, which has a massive boost to chitin harvesting, especially after killing insects. Equip your tames with a good saddle to reduce damage taken and increase survivability. Bring along a few stacks of food for your tames, as well as some medical brews or stimulants in case of emergencies.

Next, head to the Desert Biome or the Wasteland. The Desert Biome is particularly rich in Araneos and Pulmonoscorpius, which are easy to spot and kill. The Wasteland, while more dangerous, has a higher density of Mantises, which drop a significant amount of chitin and keratin. Be cautious of other predators in these areas, such as Carnotaurus or Tyrannosaurus, which can pose a threat to you and your tames. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and be ready to retreat if necessary.

Once youÔÇÖve located your targets, engage them with your tames. Use your Sabertooth or Direwolf to quickly dispatch the creatures, then harvest their bodies using the same tame or a metal hatchet. If youÔÇÖre using a Megatherium, its Insect Killer buff will significantly increase your chitin yield after killing an insect. This buff stacks, so the more insects you kill, the more chitin youÔÇÖll harvest. Be mindful of your inventory space, as chitin and keratin can quickly fill up your slots. Consider bringing a pack animal like a Parasaur or a weight-focused Argentavis to carry additional resources.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid. One is underestimating the dangers of the Desert Biome and Wasteland. These areas are filled with aggressive creatures, and venturing in unprepared can lead to quick deaths. Always bring adequate protection and healing items. Another mistake is not using the right tools or tames. Using a low-level tame or a tool with poor harvesting efficiency will result in lower yields, wasting your time and effort. Finally, avoid overextending your farming runs. ItÔÇÖs easy to get caught up in the hunt, but running out of food or stamina for your tames can leave you stranded in a dangerous area.

For advanced techniques, consider setting up a small outpost near your farming area. This can serve as a safe zone to store resources, heal your tames, and respawn if needed. You can also use a Tek Transmitter to quickly transport large amounts of chitin and keratin back to your main base. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from threats. Using a Quetzal or a Wyvern to carry a Megatherium can also be an effective strategy, allowing you to quickly move between farming spots and avoid ground-based dangers.

In summary, farming chitin and keratin on Extinction requires preparation, the right tools and tames, and a good understanding of the mapÔÇÖs dangerous areas. By focusing on the Desert Biome and Wasteland, using efficient harvesting methods, and avoiding common mistakes, you can gather large amounts of these resources quickly and safely. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you maximize your farming efficiency and progress in the game.